Glycol Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Glycol Market is projected to expand from a valuation of USD 42.81 Billion in 2025 to USD 57.27 Billion by 2031, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.97%. This market encompasses the production and trade of organic diols, specifically Propylene Glycol (PG) and Monoethylene Glycol (MEG), which act as essential solvents, intermediates, and freezing point depressants. The principal economic force propelling this sector is the substantial demand for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) resins within the packaging industry and for polyester fibers across the textile landscape. Additionally, the automotive sector underpins structural growth through its steady requirement for glycol-based coolants and antifreeze, which are critical for optimizing engine performance under diverse climatic conditions.

Nevertheless, market progression is frequently hindered by fluctuating upstream crude oil and natural gas prices, which introduce instability to feedstock costs and squeeze manufacturer profit margins. Underscoring the wider industrial resurgence that sustains demand for these fundamental chemicals, the American Chemistry Council projected that global chemical production would increase by 3.5% in 2024. This forecast suggests a robust recovery in volume for upstream petrochemical elements, persisting despite broader economic difficulties.

Market Drivers

The escalating production of polyester fiber for the textile sector stands as the primary catalyst driving the Global Glycol Market. Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) functions as a crucial raw material in the synthesis of polyester fibers, which are gaining popularity in home furnishings and apparel due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. This consumption trend is substantiated by strong manufacturing data; according to the Textile Exchange's 'Materials Market Report 2024' released in September 2024, the global output of virgin fossil-based synthetic fibers - primarily polyester - reached 75 million tonnes in 2023. Such volume expansion necessitates a concurrent rise in glycol feedstock supply to support uninterrupted manufacturing throughout the textile value chain.

Simultaneously, the rising adoption of renewable and bio-based glycol alternatives is transforming market dynamics by meeting strict environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. Manufacturers are increasingly channeling investment into biorefineries to create renewable glycols that deliver performance equivalent to fossil-based versions while significantly lowering carbon emissions. A notable example of this capacity expansion is UPM Biochemicals' progress in late 2024 with the commissioning of its Leuna biorefinery, which aims for an annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes of renewable biochemicals, including bio-monoethylene glycol (BioMEG). This structural transition is bolstered by a general industrial recovery, as highlighted by the European Chemical Industry Council in July 2024, which noted a global chemical production increase of over 4% in the first four months of 2024, creating a supportive atmosphere for both conventional and renewable glycols.

Market Challenges

Instability in crude oil and natural gas prices presents a significant obstacle to stability within the glycol sector. Because propylene glycol and monoethylene glycol are downstream derivatives of these fossil fuels, their production expenses are inherently tied to upstream energy markets. Rapid fluctuations in raw material costs make it difficult for manufacturers to uphold consistent pricing strategies, thereby complicating long-term planning for purchasers in the packaging and textile industries. Consequently, producers are frequently compelled to accept lower margins to stay competitive, which restricts the capital available for operational enhancements or facility expansions.

The immediate consequence of these financial pressures is a noticeable decline in manufacturing output, especially in regions reliant on imported feedstocks. Elevated input costs effectively suppress production volumes even when market demand remains present. As reported by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) in 2024, chemical output in the European Union lingered approximately 10.6 percent below 2019 levels, a stagnation largely driven by uncompetitive feedstock and energy costs. This enduring financial burden hinders the market from achieving its full volume potential and impairs the efficiency of the global supply chain.

Market Trends

The engineering of specialized heat transfer fluids for electric vehicles (EVs) compels manufacturers to create advanced solutions featuring low electrical conductivity. Unlike internal combustion engines, EV batteries require these dielectric glycol fluids to ensure thermal stability during rapid charging and discharging cycles while preventing short circuits. This technical distinction is fostering a high-value niche, as conventional antifreeze mixtures are frequently incompatible with the delicate electronic components inherent in modern electric powertrains. The shift is gaining speed alongside automotive electrification; the International Energy Agency's 'Global EV Outlook 2024', published in April 2024, projected global electric car sales to hit 17 million units in 2024, a volume increase that directly intensifies the demand for battery-specific thermal management products.

In parallel, the incorporation of glycol recovery into circular economy frameworks is creating a secondary supply chain via chemical recycling. This movement employs depolymerization technologies to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into its constituent monomers, including monoethylene glycol (MEG), thereby diminishing dependence on virgin fossil feedstocks. These closed-loop systems are evolving from theoretical concepts to industrial realities, enabling producers to detach a portion of their feedstock needs from volatile energy markets. Illustrating this infrastructure expansion, Carbios announced in a corporate press release in April 2024 that it had commenced construction on the world’s first industrial-scale enzymatic biorecycling facility, aiming for an annual processing capacity of 50,000 tonnes of waste.

Key Players Profiled in the Glycol Market

• The Dow Chemical Company
• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
• BASF SE
• Archer-Daniels-Midland Co
• Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• SKC
• KLK OLEO
• INEOS Capital Limited
• Huntsman International LLC

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Glycol Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Glycol Market, by Product:

• Ethylene Glycol
• Propylene Glycol
• Others

Glycol Market, by Application:

• Automotive
• HVAC
• Textiles
• Airlines
• Medical
• Pipeline Maintenance
• Polyester Fibers and Resins
• Food and Beverage
• Others

Glycol Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Glycol Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.